Anyone work in healthcare in Rutgers University-Busch Campus?
It's a a small town city with about 5,747 people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Thoughts? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
3 upvotes
9 Replies
Violet Hall
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Fairview) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
34 upvotes
fresnolocal2023
I work in hospitality here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is better than expected. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Abigail Wood
Bought a house here in 2019 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
29 upvotes
Ellie G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely decent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Westside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
27 upvotes
Jose Cooper
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Close to major attractions
- The cultural scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Sofia T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from New York about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Lillian Gomez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 3 years. Moved from Houston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Urban sprawl is real. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Anna E.
Totally agree!
14 upvotes
Bennett Foster
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely improving and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (West) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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